STATEMENT OF THE PERMANENT OBSERVEROF
THE HOLY SEE TO THE WORLD TOURISM ORGANIZATION

Thursday, 9 May 2002

I am very happy to participate in this reunion and interesting
seminar.

The typology of tourism has become more enriched in the past
few years, as has a certain appreciation coming from institutions, but what is
curious to notice is that an activity such as tourism, a source of monetary
earnings and of dialogue among populations, does not receive the attention it
deserves from the political world.

Tourism can be linked to congressional activities, sports
activities, thermal spa, mountain climbing, cultural activities and to the
religion.

The European tourist patrimony covers all of these kinds of
tourism.

The consideration and the rediscovery of a consciousness of a
shared patrimony is an important factor nowadays. This qualifying aspect has
been proposed many times in the General Assemblies and in the Regional
Commissions.

The European tourism patrimony is surely a fundamental
resource for this continent and has up to now served to re-evaluate its common
roots, its similarities, but also the wealth and beauty behind the diversities
in European traditions.

The same unification process going on at this moment on this
continent, must certainly recognize the contribution offered by tourism to the
integration in Europe.

What we are evaluating today makes up an enormous patrimony of
great cultural value, which should be above all developed both on an image
level, as well as on an international promotion level.

In this meeting, I underline the necessity in maintaining the
principals of a development for a sustainable tourism that respects the
environment.

This reminds me that the great reality of ecological tourism
is confirmed by the success of the initiatives promoted by the celebration of
the International Year of Ecotourism.

Although the recent crisis due to the tragic events of
September 11, in some countries rural tourism has maintained and developed the
presence of tourists and financial earnings.

It is hopeful that the institutions increase the promotion of
the reality of regional tourism more efficiently, as can be seen by the
mass-media.

Political specifics and targeted projects which move inside a
common project should be strengthened, especially on an old continent full of
great traditions such as that of Europe.

Rediscovering the awareness of a common patrimony of cultural
value means to increase the consciousness of belonging to a common home, and
in this way, finding the way for a renewed union and a renewed harmony.